Free things to do in Albany
6 free attractions that would each cost $15 to $25 in a bigger city — the Capitol tour, the state museum, the observation deck, and 3 more.
New York State Museum interior atrium
The Capitol and the Plaza
The New York State Capitol tour is free, one hour long, and runs weekdays at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. The Million Dollar Staircase is worth the trip. Empire State Plaza itself is free to walk — the reflecting pool, the outdoor sculpture collection (Calder, Nevelson, Noguchi), and the concourse art galleries underground. The Corning Tower observation deck on the 42nd floor is free and open weekdays until 3:30pm.
The New York State Museum
One of the best free state museums in the country, on the south end of the Plaza. Plan 3 hours. Highlights: Cohoes Mastodon skeleton, a full 9/11 exhibit with a recovered fire truck, the 1940s Empire State Carousel on the top floor (free to ride), and rotating exhibits on New York history and natural history. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9:30am to 5pm.
Washington Park and free summer shows
Washington Park is free, with the tulip display in early May and the Park Playhouse musicals nightly except Mondays in July and August. Bring a blanket, arrive by 7pm for a good lawn spot. Show starts 8pm.
The Skyway, the waterfront, and Lark Street
The Skyway (a former highway ramp turned linear park) opened in 2022 and connects downtown to the Corning Preserve waterfront trail — both free. Lark Street itself is a free hour of window-shopping and people-watching. The Historic Cherry Hill house museum is $8 but has free grounds. The Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands is free, wildly beautiful, and holds President Chester A. Arthur's grave.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Two full days. The Capitol, Plaza, State Museum, Corning Tower, Washington Park, and Skyway alone fill 12 to 15 hours.
Yes. Bring ID, go through security, elevator to floor 42. Weekdays only, 10am to 3:30pm.
Yes. Donations requested but not required. Reserved seats up front cost $25; the lawn is free.
New York State Museum, Capitol tour, and the Plaza concourse's underground art gallery (the North Concourse holds the state's Modernist collection).
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